Category: Coastline

Using the methode champenoise with mead is extremely rare, so when I found that Heidrun was a quick jaunt toward the coast, it was an exciting surprise. I did not know what to expect, since mead is usually a sweet syrup texture, and I discovered that changing it into sparkling infuses a dryness with intense flavor.

Heidrun Meadery is twenty years old, and has recently concentrated on their Point Reyes Station farm and honey cultivation after relocating to West Marin. Honey is heavily influenced by surrounding flora, so keeping a local hive is essential, although they also bring honey in from other locations, such as Oregon and Hawaii. Their picnic area is limited, on a first-come, first-served basis, and offers views of quaint farm buildings and distant meadows stretching toward Point Reyes Station.

At the heart of a network of hiking trails ranging through Point Reyes National Seashore, the tiny town of Inverness has a relaxed atmosphere of rustic buildings and docks overlooking the tranquil Tomales Bay. There are plenty of cabins or bed & breakfasts to stay at if you are comfortable with roughing it, such as Dancing Coyote Beach cottages that are feet from the water with a private beach.

The Sonoma County coast is a rugged rock garden of pluming surf, tidal estuaries, and sea life such as gray whales, elephant seals, and birds. Wind blown trees create unique sculptural formations that range across grassy knolls and pockets of sandy beaches nestle at the bottom of steep cliffs.

After a day of exploration, feeling the chill and sting of salt, or perhaps to enjoy the rough coastline from a sheltered perspective, there are countless restaurants offering spectacular views and fresh seafood. When I am having a rough day, I often drive out to an oasis of relaxing dining on the Northern California coast. (more…)